The 2025 Formula 1 season is moving forward, and the name Franco Colapinto continues to generate debate in the paddock. The young Alpine reserve driver will not be present at the Miami Grand Prix despite rumors that he would be back on track. Meanwhile, the French team has already defined its next steps with him, in a strategy that focuses on both quiet work and sustained growth.
Colapinto will not be in Miami
Although some reports placed Colapinto at the Miami Grand Prix, Alpine has denied that he will be traveling with the team. Colapinto’s work with Alpine will continue from the Enstone factory, where he works on the simulator for car development and race strategy.
The Argentine, who was already present as a reserve driver in Australia and China, is doing his bit for Alpine’s performance during the dates he has worked from the factory. His work on the simulator proved very important before the Japanese Grand Prix, where he helped Pierre Gasly score his first points of the season. For now, Paul Aron’s role on track will remain unchanged in Miami while Colapinto focuses on continuing to add value behind the scenes.
Alpine’s plan with Colapinto
The decision to leave Colapinto out of the Miami Grand Prix is part of the team’s long-term strategy. Although the driver’s presence on the track seemed possible, the team has decided to give priority to technical development at its British headquarters and, as a result, to take a more cautious approach to future opportunities.
One of the dates marked in red on the calendar is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, from May 16 to 18. There, Alpine could offer Colapinto a new opportunity, either as a reserve driver on the circuit or even as a possible replacement for Jack Doohan, who has failed to shine in his first outings. However, the team insists that there will be no change of drivers.
The truth is that Imola is an ideal setting for Colapinto. Not only does he know the track, but he has also won there in Formula 3 and Formula 2. The most recent victory was on May 18, 2024, when he won the F2 Sprint Race after overtaking Paul Aron with a masterful maneuver on the last lap. This track record makes him a solid option should Alpine decide to give him a chance.
Colapinto’s future
In the meantime, Colapinto is enjoying a brief break from the pressure of F1. This week, he traveled to Monaco, one of his regular residences alongside Madrid, to recharge his batteries and participate as a virtual speaker at the Experiencia Endeavor Sub 20 event, aimed at young students in Argentina. It will be a short break, as he will return to Enstone on April 29 to continue his technical work with Alpine.
Franco Colapinto’s future is still up in the air, but it seems like the French team is taking him seriously and is optimistic about him. His good results in the simulator, his knowledge of European circuits, and his track record in the lower categories, which is full of wins, keep him on the list as a real option to drive the car any day now. In the meantime, Alpine is playing its cards close to its chest, and Colapinto, far from being disappointed at not being in Miami, is preparing in the shadows, with his mind firmly set on the moment that could mark a turning point in his career.